The Chron is going to great lengths to keep reporters Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada (pictured) out of jail. According to the Associated Press, the newspaper has agreed to be held in contempt of court and pay perhaps hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines for refusing to assist a federal grand jury that is trying to find out who leaked grand jury transcripts in the Barry Bonds case to the two reporters. The AP said that under the proposed deal between the newspaper and federal prosecutors, the Chronicle agreed to pay a fine of at least $1,000 per day for up to 18 months. Both sides reserved the right to argue for more or less. The agreement is largely procedural, allowing the entire case to move before the appeals court. The deal requires the approval by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White, who originally ordered the jailing of the two reporters Aug. 15. The newspaper is appealing his decision.